Jack Martin Preusser

Jack Martin Preusser was born in Toyah, Texas in 1927.  He served in the Army from 1951-1953 as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator, he then continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1956.  While serving in the Army, Jack earned a Mechanical Engineering Degree.  He married Mary Frances Lancaster in 1954.  They lived in El Paso until 1961 when they moved to Arizona with their two young sons, Jack and Ben.  They had two more children, Mayme and Murf, while living in Glendale.  Jack made a name for himself working as a mechanic in the heavy truck shop at a Ford dealership.  He went on to own and operate his own fleet and trucking operation out of Glendale until 1983.  He and Mary relocated to the White Mountains in 1983.  All four of his children eventually migrated to the White Mountains to be closer to Jack and Mary.  He worked at several of the local heavy truck shops until he retired in 2008.  Jack moved to Globe in 2010, seeking warmer climate while still being close to family in the White Mountains.  Jack was known to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by the beloved moniker of “Papa”.

He was a patient kind of mentor to anyone willing to learn.  His generally soft-spoken words of wisdom and encouragement were just the right blend of down-to-earth and eloquent, subtle sarcasm.  Jack would seldom be found without his (mostly unlit) cigar, cowboy hat, and quick wit.

Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Stars for more than 30 years, holding numerous offices including Worshipful Master and Worthy Patron.

He departed the earthly experience on November 21, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones in the comfort of his home in Globe. 

Jack is survived by his sons, Jack (Cecily) and Murf (Michele); his favorite daughter, Mayme; daughter-in-law, Karla; grandchildren, Emily (Trevor), Derek (Mindy), Jack (Toni), Dakota (Josh), Collin (Tabby); 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary after 50 years of marriage and their son Ben (Karla).

A memorial will be held at Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low, AZ on December 5, 2020 beginning at 2:00 P.M.